Mean machine puts Mandla in pole position

Donovan van Heerden, team principal for Team Castrol Mini said, “The decision to choose Mdakane came about because we were looking for a competent driver who could race the Mini with confidence.”

Mdakane (21) said, “In order to attain sponsorship you’ve got to make yourself a brand so that sponsors will see you as a marketing tool. I’m not quite sure where I want to be in terms of being a brand.”

In previous years, despite having to race in a car with far less engine capacity and limited modifications, he has fared well against vehicles with far larger engines. Under his current sponsorship deal with Mini, he managed to secure pole position yet again at the East London Grand Prix circuit. Mdakane said they were up against “2.0L engines of the Golf GTI, Ford ST and Chevrolet. Mini is really a pocket rocket.”

He started racing go-karts at the tender age of four. Mdakane attributes his achievements to not just his discipline and understanding of the art of motor racing, but to the supportive nature of both his parents. “My Father Hamilton used to race back in the day, and gave me tips on the track. My mother is also a great support structure.”

Before his time with Team Castrol Mini, Mdakane managed to qualify for the Formula BMW Asia Cup series. Further re-enforcing his father Hamilton’s supportive nature for his son, during that season the father-son duo moved there for six months. Mdakane said, “My dad would fly up for races, but would return to get the business going in order to keep me racing as motorsport is costly and we didn’t have any sponsors at that stage.”

During his high school years, this young racing aficionado was offered the opportunity to race abroad, but felt completing his studies took priority. Currently he is in talks of making moves next year both internationally and locally. Nothing has been finalised, but Mdakane said, “All I can say is the future looks bright! I will be back for the next season.”